How to Paint a Refrigerator

paint a refrigerator. An older refrigerator can appear outdated, or have exterior damage, while still being perfectly functional. It is not necessary to purchase an entirely new appliance if your refrigerator’s problems are purely cosmetic. Appliance paint, known also as appliance epoxy, comes in such colors as white, black, bisque, almond, and even stainless steel. With a little planning and a few hours of labor, you can easily transform the appearance of your refrigerator using appliance paint.

Clean and Prep

Refrigerators collect grease and grime through normal use; it is important to clean the surface thoroughly before painting. Take off the handle and any other hardware, then wipe the fridge down with either a detergent such as trisodiumphosphate, or with window cleaner. If there are rust spots, remove them with a wire brush.

Lightly sand the surface of the refrigerator so the fresh paint will more easily adhere. Rinse the surface with clean water and dry thoroughly, then apply painters tape around the edges. Although primer is not necessary for use with appliance paint, you may wish to treat any areas where the refrigerator is rusting with rust primer.

Appliance epoxy should be used in a well-ventilated area; depending on the size of your kitchen, you may wish to move the refrigerator to a garage or other more open area.

Spray or Brush

Appliance epoxy is available in both brush on and spray on formulas. Spray paint covers the large surface area of a refrigerator more quickly, but brush on paint generally makes less of a mess. If you choose spray paint, be sure to use tarps or cloths to protect the floors and nearby furniture from any paint mist that may result.

To apply brush on paint, use a good quality foam roller and apply three thin coats, allowing the paint to dry in between coats as recommended by the instructions on the paint can.

For spray on paint, hold the can 12-16 inches from the surface of the refrigerator and apply in straight lines that overlap slightly. Keep your hand moving at all times; pausing the stream will allow the paint to build up in one area and cause unsightly runs. Spray paint should be applied lightly with two or more coats.